Businesses gear up for crowds as Sox seek title

With the Boston Red Sox poised to begin the World Series Wednesday night, workers at local businesses are gearing up for busy days as caps, shirts and even fake beards have become must-have items for rabid fans.

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Oct. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 22, 2013 at 10:12 PM

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Oct. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 22, 2013 at 10:12 PM

» Social News

With the Boston Red Sox poised to begin the World Series Wednesday night, workers at local businesses are gearing up for busy days as caps, shirts and even fake beards have become must-have items for rabid fans.

"There’s definitely an uptick in people coming in," said Henry Kanner, manager at Natick Outdoor Store, which is selling its standard supply of Red Sox hats, shirts and other merchandise.

Kanner said business picks up before home games as fans stop at the Natick Center store before catching the train to Boston. The store, he said, plans to stock up on World Series championship gear if the Red Sox emerge victorious over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kanner’s shop is not alone. Businesses and restaurants throughout the region reported strong sales during the American League Championship Series, a trend they expect to continue as the Red Sox’ playoff run reaches its climax.

StubHub.com on Monday listed the cheapest tickets for the first game at more than $400. Anyone trying to catch a game in St. Louis will likely have to pay more than $1,000 in air fare if they leave on Friday and return to Boston on Oct. 29, according to Priceline.com.

For those unable to make it to the ballpark, local restaurant workers say they can provide a festive atmosphere.

"It’s a crowd-pleaser," Julie Doherty, manager of Kennedy’s Restaurant in Marlborough, said of playoff baseball. "Regular dining patrons come up to the bar and watch the score. …It’s a really positive feeling. It’s really win-win-win."

Keith Gentili, vice president of sales at That’s My Ticket in Medway, said his company is gearing up for a busy week as it sells souvenir frames and other merchandise to display game tickets.

"We’ll be at Fenway Park set up for all four (possible) home games," Gentili said, noting the business also sells products online. "Forty thousand (fans) all leave the place with a ticket. That shouldn’t end up in a junk drawer."

Gentili said the company does business across the country, but it is extra special when a local team is in a championship game.

"Certainly baseball and the Red Sox and the way the fan base commemorates a championship is really key for us," he said.

At Bob’s Stores in Framingham, manager Gary Renczkowski said business has been up, but not quite as frantic as during previous playoff runs.

"I don’t think people really know the players as much as in years past," Renczkowski said. "A lot of people are hard-pressed to name the whole roster."

Renczkowski said he expects the store to be busy before World Series home games as people buy souvenirs on their way to Fenway Park.

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And, the popularity of a jersey can change with one swing of the bat, such as when Shane Victorino hit a grand slam Saturday, he said.

Brian Benson can be reached at 508-626-3964 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @bbensonmwdn.